Loan Programs

Direct Loan Program

Under the Direct Stafford Loan program, the student borrows money from the U.S. government. The student has the responsibility to repay the full amount of the loan plus interest, less the amount of any refund, and the student is entitled to a refund of the moneys not paid from federal student financial aid programs funds.

A student applies by completing a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) annually and in their first year, a MPN (Master Promissory Note) and Entrance Counseling. Funds received through the Direct Loan Program must be repaid starting six months after leaving school. A student may borrow a maximum of $20,500 per academic year (defined as two trimesters). However, University Policy limits the maximum Direct Loan per academic year to $18,500. Loans for less than a full academic year are pro-rated accordingly. A Direct Loan will be either unsubsidized, Gradplus or a combination of both.

Unsubsidized

Interest on an unsubsidized loan is not paid by the federal government and therefore interest will accumulate on the loan while the student is in school. Unless the student makes payment on the interest while in school, the interest will be capitalized or added to the principle when the loan goes into repayment. The University encourages students to make interest payments while in school and during the grace period. The interest on this loan is set every July 1st and is currently fixed at 6.21%. Effective July 1, 2014, a 1.072% Guarantee fee will be apply to all Stafford Loans. Per University policy, the maximum a student may borrow is $18,500. The Unsubsidized loan is not need-based.

Graduate Plus

Graduate or professional students are eligible to borrow under the Grad PLUS Loan Program up to their cost of attendance minus other estimated financial assistance including other Direct Loans. Applicants are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have a good credit history. The interest on this loan is set every July 1st and is currently fixed at 7.21%. The current Guarantee fee applied to all Grad Plus loans is 4.292%.